e-SmartLiving Tankless Water Heaters Frequently Asked Questions

1. WHAT IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
2. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
3. WILL HARD WATER AFFECT A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
4. DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TANKLESS WATER HEATER FOR MY APPLICATION?
5. CAN I FILL MY TUB AND SHOWER WHEN USING A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
6. WHAT IS THE SHIPPING POLICY ON E-SMARTLIVING TANKLESS WATER HEATERS?
7. WHERE CAN I INSTALL MY TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
8. CAN I INSTALL THE HEATER MYSELF?
9. CAN I INSTALL THE TANKLESS WATER HEATER OUTSIDE?
10. IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER EASY TO INSTALL AND DOES IT NEED VENTING?
11. DO I NEED A PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE FOR MY TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
12. MY PLUMBING USES PLASTIC/PVC PIPES...CAN I USE A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?
13. WHAT ARE THE POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

1. WHAT IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

A tankless water heater has no storage tank and is activated only when there is a demand for hot water. A tank heater consumers energy 24 hours a day whether you use it or not. A tankless water heater provides unlimited hot water as there is no stored capacity to run out. Because there is no storage, the physical size of a tankless water heater is much smaller allowing you to install the heater much closer to the application.

2. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

1. Compact Size - Tankless Water Heaters can be installed at point of use, saving space and providing hot water instantly.

2. Ruggedly designed for decades of reliable operation. You will enjoy your tankless hot water heater for years to come.

3. Saves Money $$ - A tankless water heater only consumes energy when hot water is needed for up to 50% savings.

4. Endless hot water - never run out of hot water again with a tankless hot water heater.

3. WILL HARD WATER AFFECT A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

Tankless water heaters do not store water, so mineral and calcium build-up will be significantly reduced. Flow activated heat exchanges flush the system every time the tankless water heater is turned on.

4. DO I HAVE THE RIGHT TANKLESS WATER HEATER FOR MY APPLICATION?

Keep in mind a tankless water heater creates hot water based on how much power or kW you put into it. The volume of flow or how many fixtures you want to run at the same time will determine which tankless hot water heater is right for you.

Many tankless water heaters build electric tankless water heaters that supply an unlimited supply of hot water for one or two showers. The tankless water heater sizing guides will help you select the correct unit for your usage and climate zone. Our technical support team can also answer any questions you may have regarding sizing for your tankless water heater - call 1-775-295-9513 or email us at info@e-smartliving.com.

5. CAN I FILL MY TUB AND SHOWER WHEN USING A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

Yes, a properly sized tankless water heater can handle up to four gallons a minute.

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6. WHAT IS THE SHIPPING POLICY ON E-SMARTLIVING TANKLESS WATER HEATERS?

At e-SmartLiving our tankless water heaters ship via UPS and usually require 2-4 days shipping. Shipping costs are added to the price of the tankless water heater at checkout. All costs at e-SmartLiving are quoted in U.S. dollars.

7. WHERE CAN I INSTALL MY TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

A tankless water heater can be installed right where your old heater used to be. Generally a minimum 12" clearance must exist from the top of the unit to the ceiling, and from bottom of unit to the floor.

As with all electric appliances, your tankless water heater is designed to operate indoors, and must be protected from rain and weather elements.

8. CAN I INSTALL THE HEATER MYSELF?

Due to its electrical nature, it is recommended you hire a professional to install your tankless water heater. Make sure you have the installation guide that came with your tankless water heater available when the installer arrives. The guide has information that will be necessary during installation.

9. CAN I INSTALL THE TANKLESS WATER HEATER OUTSIDE?

As with all electric appliances, your tankless water heater is designed to operate indoors, and must be protected from rain and weather elements.

If you must install the tankless unit outside your home, it should at least have the same protection from the weather and the elements as it would indoors. We do not recommend installation outdoors, but if you must, you should consult with a professional in your local area.

10. IS A TANKLESS WATER HEATER EASY TO INSTALL AND DOES IT NEED VENTING?

The installation of a tankless water heater is a straight-forward job. Most professional installers will be able to complete the job quickly and without incident.

Installation of our tankless water heater is quick and easy, and all our tankless water heaters require no venting.

11. DO I NEED A PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE FOR MY TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

Installation of our tankless water heater is quick and easy. Under normal conditions, tankless water heaters require no pressure relief valve.

A pressure relief valve is called for ONLY when your plumbing uses plastic (PVC,PVX, etc) tubing. Please note, the pressure relief valve you install must have a rating that will protect your tubing. For instance, if your PVC piping is rated to 100 PSI, you must install a valve rated to protect your piping.

Specifically, the type of valve you need is a Pressure Relief Only valve. These valves do not have the long probe/thermostat found in T&P Relief valves most commonly used for tank water heater applications. (Temperature and Pressure).

12. MY PLUMBING USES PLASTIC/PVC PIPES...CAN I USE A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

Yes, you can use our tankless water heater with your plastic, PVC, PVX or any similar tubing material.
You must, however, use approximately 36 inches of copper tubbing between the tankless water heater and your plastic tubing.
The copper tubing must be installed in the inlet and outlet side of the tankless water heater. This copper tubing will act as a buffer, isolating your plastic tubing.

13. WHAT ARE THE POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR A TANKLESS WATER HEATER?

The breaker's amp rating will be determined by your unit's current draw (AMP consumption). The wire gauge size (AWG) will be determined by the breaker you will be using. That is, the wire must safely carry the current from breaker to your tankless water heater.

For instance, the Titan tankless heater model SCR2 N-120 draws a maximum of 54 amps. Meaning, it will consume a maximum of 54 amps at peak power output, only as necessary.

Our aim is to provide you with a baseline, or reference point for our tankless water heaters' power requirements. Keep in mind that local building codes vary from one place to the next. You should always check your local building codes to make sure you are complying with the standards in your area.